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FOSTERING POSITIVE CHANGE IN YOUR COMMUNITY
By
Rafael Aquino
Published November 6, 2024
In Florida, community
associations rely on board members to act in the best interests of
the residents. But how do you know if your board is truly serving
the community effectively? Here’s a quick guide to assessing your
board’s performance and taking steps for positive change if needed.
Signs of a Proactive,
Responsible Board
1.
Transparent
Communication:
A responsive board will keep you informed with clear, regular
updates on finances, projects, and decisions. Are you receiving
routine communication that explains where fees are allocated and how
decisions are made?
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Financial Health and Maintenance:
Look for a board prioritizing well-maintained spaces and
maintaining a fully funded reserve for future repairs. If
maintenance feels neglected or reserves are low, it could mean
future issues for owners.
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Community Engagement:
Does the board encourage owner participation through open
meetings, surveys, or committees? Engagement shows they value
community input and want owners to stay informed.
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Accountability and Responsiveness:
Are your concerns acknowledged and addressed fairly? A board
that respects and follows its own rules demonstrates
accountability and builds trust.
What to Do if Your
Board Falls Short
If the board isn’t
meeting expectations, here are constructive ways to advocate for
improvement:
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Rally Your Neighbors:
Talk with other owners who share your concerns. A unified voice
is often more effective than isolated feedback.
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Request a Community Forum:
Suggest a special meeting to discuss issues openly. A respectful
approach can encourage the board to listen.
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Support or Run
for New Leadership:
Consider supporting candidates focused on positive change or
even running for the board yourself.
Remember, making
change starts with a positive approach. Instead of letting
frustration become rumors or divisiveness, channel your energy into
constructive engagement. Speak openly with your neighbors, encourage
transparent conversations, and bring concerns directly to the board.
Building a stronger community means working together, staying
solution-focused, and fostering a culture of mutual respect. When
owners take a proactive, unified approach, it inspires positive
change and strengthens the sense of community and shared purpose
that benefits everyone.
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As the Co-Founder and CEO
of Affinity Management Services, Rafael P. Aquino leads his team to
redefine excellence. They serve community associations
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and effectively with
dedication and passion. Rafael’s energy and positive
spirit is the foundation of Affinity Management
Services’ company culture, which instills enthusiasm and
excitement when providing expert advice to its board
members and relieving the day-to-day burdens of running
a community association.
Since 2007, Rafael has
developed a work culture that values responsive and
high-quality services. He has led his team by following
a proactive vs reactive philosophy. The same approach
Rafael instills in the day to day operations of each
association. Today, Affinity Management Services
maintains its success and benefits as a result of the
foundation Rafael has built and continues to foster by
providing educational seminars, continuing education
classes for association managers and board members
alike.
Rafael and his team help condominium and homeowners’
associations save money and improve their communities.
His calm, personable, and service-oriented nature helps
him to establish strong relationships with ease. Rafael
is known as a sincere and honest leader who looks out
for the best interests of his clients and communities,
and he strongly advocates for their needs. His role
requires coordination and communication, as such he
takes logical and intelligent steps to approach
challenges head-on.
As a graduate of Florida International University’s
electrical engineering program and a licensed community
association manager, Rafael’s education and skills equip
him with unique insights to tackle complex problems
through critical thinking. He understands how each
component within a system works together in order to
effectively arrive at solutions, techniques, and
conclusions. Therefore, as he manages the multiple
challenges of running a community association management
company, he understands how each property is its own
unique system and tailors’ specific services to assure
that all their needs are met.
For more information about Rafael P. Aquino and Affinity
Management Services please visit
www.ManagedByAffinity.com or call 1-800-977-6279
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Doral Office: 8200 NW 41st ST
Suite 200
Doral, FL 33166
Broward Office: 150 S Pine Island RD Suite 300
Plantation, FL 33324
O: 800-977-6279 ● F: 305-325-4053
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